Is Larry Bird better than Kobe?

Kobe has 12; Bird, 12. Then you look at All-NBA First Teams: Kobe has seven (presumably eight after this year); Bird has nine. With respect to All-NBA Team total selections, Kobe has 11 and Bird has 10. So far, Bird and Kobe are as close as they come, but where Kobe truly surpasses Bird is on the defensive end.

Who is better Larry Bird or Magic?

In fact, Johnson did lead the league in steals two years in a row. His nemesis and friend off the court, Larry Bird, was a much better shooter and defender than Magic ever was. In addition, Bird bested Magic quite convincingly in almost every single major statistical category with the exception of assists.

Did Larry Bird ever play against Kobe Bryant?

The two waged war in one of the most memorable Finals series in NBA history (1984), then battled twice more in the 1985 and 1987 Finals. Bryant never had a rivalry along the lines of the one between Larry and Magic, unless you're willing to include his own teammates (namely, Shaquille O'Neal).

Who is a better player LeBron or Larry Bird?

He is the superior scorer, whether you're talking career points per game or per 36 minutes. Bird is a better rebounder both in rebounds per game and rebound rate. LeBron is the better passer both in terms of assists per game and assist rate. Bird was an incredible passer, but LeBron is better.

Is Larry Bird one of the greatest of all time?

Playing in just under 900 regular-season games, Larry's 21,791 points rank 36th in NBA history. But his career average of 24.3 points is 18th, meaning a fully-healthy Bird could have seen his total climb even higher. It's OK not to have Bird as the greatest player of all time.

Is Larry Bird better than Jordan?

Larry Joe Bird is the greatest basketball player who ever lived. Before you get all fired up, just hear me out. Bird's career stats aren't as glamorous as Jordan's because his points per game average isn't as high, but his all-around game was better.

Who is better James or Bird?

James is the far superior athlete and has put up better numbers than Bird. He's third on the all-time scoring list, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. James has been an All-Star every season except his rookie year and made the All-Defensive Team six times.

How good is Larry Bird?

Larry Bird was such a player. For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play — as a scorer, a passer, a rebounder, a defender, a team player, and, perhaps above all, as a clutch performer.

Is Larry Bird a goat?

But Boston Celtics legendary small forward Larry Bird has a claim to G.O.A.T. status as well, with The Hick From French Lick (as he is sometimes called) deserving inclusion in any discussion on the greatest player of all time in the NBA.

Who is better Kobe or Duncan?

Bryant beats Duncan in terms of scoring, assists, steals, three point percentage, and free throw percentage, but Duncan beats Kobe in rebounding, blocks, and field goal percentage. Yet, when putting everything together in terms of awards, championships, and winning teams, the winner in that category is Duncan.

Who was better Magic or Kobe?

While Magic's intangibles place him ahead of Kobe, Kobe's tangible qualities put him ahead of Magic. Magic Johnson is one of the best all-around players of all-time, as he averaged 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, and 7.2 APG. However, one can argue that Bryant's on court play is even more impressive.

Did Shaq and Kobe play together?

The Shaq–Kobe feud was the conflict between National Basketball Association (NBA) players Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, who played together for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004.

Who won more titles Bird or Magic?

Magic Johnson - 37 Games, 15-22 (40.5%)

The player that owns the best overall record against Bird was Magic Johnson. During their heyday, the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals three times where the Lakers won two championships. The Celtics won one championship in 1984.

Are Larry Bird and Magic Johnson friends?

Johnson and Bird are still great friends to this day and were co-captains of that 1992 squad. Bird played his final game of professional basketball with Magic by his side, as a career of back injuries caused Bird to announce his retirement after the game.

Is Larry Bird a Hall of Famer?

Bird was voted to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team".

Who has more rings LeBron or Larry Bird?

Lebron James has 4 Championship, 4 Finals MVP, 4 Regular Season MVP, 1 Scoring Title, 1 Rookie of the Year, while Larry Bird has 3 Championship, 2 Finals MVP, 3 Regular Season MVP, 1 Rookie of the Year, 1 Hall of Fame.

Was Larry Bird a good defender?

People remember Celtics Hall-of-Famer Larry Bird for his offense, but he was good on defense as well. Bird had great awareness and instincts on the defensive end and played strong team defense. Bird was named to the All NBA defensive 2nd team three times before injuries slowed him towards the end of his career.

How many years did Larry Bird play in the NBA?

Bird played 13 years in the NBA and it was a bad back that forced him into retirement in 1992. During his illustrious career, Bird won three straight MVP awards and guided the Celtics to three NBA championships.

Who Larry Bird thinks is the GOAT?

“Never Lost to Michael Jordan”: Larry Bird Backing LeBron James' GOAT Case Sends NBA Twitter Into a Tailspin. LeBron James has repeatedly proved why he is considered as one of the GOATs. For most people, it is either Michael Jordan or him. Even being in this debate proves LeBron James' worth more than anything else.

When did Jordan beat Larry Bird?

Zeke stated reminded people that Jordan struggled in his early days, not beating Larry Bird and his Celtics or Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Lakers during the 80s. "Michael Jordan never beat Larry Bird.

What did Bird say about Jordan?

“I would never have called him the greatest player I'd ever seen if I didn't mean it,” Bird told The Boston Globe. “It's just God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

What is Michael Jordan's record against Larry Bird?

Michael Jordan had a record of 11-17 versus Larry Bird in his career.